Folding Prop on 34?

[nick fermani]

Acquired a folding prop. What are advantages

 

[Bob Howie]

Folding prop advantages

The advantage of folding props over fixed pitch is that you typically get as good performance in reverse as you do in forward because the blades swing into reverse pitch. They do require a bit of maintenance due to marine growth, but, overall, they are not a bad choice. You may also get some reduced drag from them once you shut the engine down.

 

[mark gullickson]

anyone else? please share your experience....

This is a great question, but i see few people have given a comment. I want to install one after talking to people at "Strictly Sail" (chicago). sure would love to hear m ore from people who use one....

 

[Steve Dion]

Depends on what you want!

Nick:I believe that if you look back in the archives you will find that a feathering prop is the preferred way to go.A two blade fixed prop is obvioulsy the cheapest option. These props when properly sized will usually push the boat at or above in calm seas or whenever there is little current. This prop also produces moderate drag under sail.When you are going to be fighting current and heavy seas the general concensus is to move up to a three blade prop. This will provide approx. 50% higher drag and is slightly more expensive than 2 blade. They also provide better balance than the fixed two blade.The folding prop is the choice of the racers. They really do not care about general motoring ability and this will provide the least drag. They tend to have a little more problem with vibration than any of the above choices. They are only slightly more expensive depending on if they are geared or not. The three bladed folding prop will generally provide better motoring performance than the two bladed folding prop too. They also provide a better balance than the two blade folder.The two bladed feathering prop will generally out perform all of the above in all conditions. They have the ability to reverse the blades when the engine is in reverse. They will sail better than a two or three blade fixed but not as well as the folders. The down side is cost.The three bladed feathering prop is going to be the best all around solution. There is only slightly only more drag than a two bladed feathering. They will be better balanced and they can provide significant thrust increases over ALL of the above solutions. Any of the props that you may choose must be properly sized for your boat, engine and transmission. You must also have the proper tip clearance from the hull.There are also considerations of cost and maintenance when you swap a mechanical prop for a fixed one.I suggest that you consult a prop specialist in you area before you make a decision.